NFL Draft risers, sliders: Week 12

Jonathan Cooper, G -- North Carolina: Cooper received first round grades from scouts prior to the season and has surpassed expectations on the field this year. He was stamped as the premiere zone-blocking lineman in the nation and Cooper has expanded his game in 2012. The athletic guard improved his power at the point of attack and now displays the ability to beat down defenders on the line of scrimmage as well as annihilating opponents blocking in motion. Cooper will be the second guard selected in April 's draft after Alabama's Chance Warmack. He is unlikely to make it out of the draft's initial 15 choices.

Leon McFadden, CB -- San Diego State: McFadden has been steadily rising up draft boards since the start of the season and is another who is exceeding expectations in 2012. He's a feisty cornerback with next-level size and the ball skills to match. McFadden has intercepted three passes this season, broken up 10 throws and has 57 tackles to his credit. He continues to improve on the field and several scouts feel McFadden will be a top-75 pick in next year's draft.

Scott Vallone, DL -- Rutgers: Vallone is perhaps the most unheralded player on the Scarlet Knights' talented defense yet the NFL is aware of his ability. Vallone is smart, tough and a defender who does the little things well. His intensity is infectious as Vallone plays through the whistle and disrupts the opponents game plan. He's not a player who puts up big stats but rather a reliable defender that does not make mental mistakes. Vallone lacks classic size for the next level (6-foot, 3-inches, 280-pounds) yet gets the most from his ability. His game is similar to New York Jets defensive lineman Mike DeVito and Vallone has risen from undrafted free agent to late round pick.